How to Use Prescription Medication to Treat Infertility

Couples experiencing infertility are usually aware of a few of the major types of treatment options available to them. But many are unaware of the range of prescription medications they can use which may help them conceive without resorting to invasive procedures. These medications might be able to correct a variety of mild to moderate infertility issues, including lack of ovulation and low sperm count.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Prescription medication

Use Prescription Medication to Treat Infertility

1. Become familiar with the different types of prescription medications commonly used to treat infertility. Books like "What to Do When You Can't Get Pregnant: The Complete Guide to All the Technologies for Couples Facing Fertility Problems" by Daniel A. Potter and Jennifer S. Hanin (see Resources below) can help you understand the medications you may encounter and the benefits and pitfalls of them.
2. Undergo fertility testing as soon as possible to try to find the cause of your infertility. This will help direct doctors to an appropriate prescription medication. For example, patients who aren't ovulating regularly may be prescribed a medication called Clomid, which can increase the frequency and intensity of ovulation.
3. Be proactive by asking your doctor whether a specific medication will work for you. While you may be offering an alternative your doctor had not previously considered, there may be a good reason why she hasn't suggested a given medication. It may not be strong enough to correct an advanced problem or it may just be incompatible with your system, based on the results of preliminary testing.
4. Find out whether your insurance will cover the cost of prescription medication used to treat infertility. Some plans will cover all types of prescriptions, while others will not make any payment for fertility-related services, including medication.
5. Learn how to take your medication properly. Certain types of medications must be started on the first day of your menstrual cycle, while others can be used at any time in your cycle. A select group of powerful medications must only be used on a few cycle days, which are usually specified by your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to use your medication exactly as it has been prescribed. Be honest with your doctor about missed doses or you could end up with even more serious fertility problems, misdiagnoses or unnecessary delays while your doctor tries to figure out why your medication isn't working properly.